UK Call for Comments on Draft Risk Profile for Polybrominated Dibenzo-p-dioxins and Dibenzofurans as POPs

On March 19, 2025, the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs issued a call for comments on the draft risk profile of polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs), including mixed polybrominated/chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBCDD/Fs), proposed as persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The consultation is part of the process under the United Nations' Stockholm Convention on POPs. The draft risk profile outlines the evidence supporting the classification of these substances as POPs and invites feedback during the 9-week period from March 17 to May 19, 2025.

POPs are substances that persist in the environment, bioaccumulate in living organisms, and pose significant health and environmental risks. They can be transported across international borders via air, water, or migratory species, reaching areas where they were never produced or used. The substances under review, PBDD/Fs and PBCDD/Fs, have been shown to be unintentionally generated during thermal processes, such as the burning of waste containing brominated flame retardants (BFRs) like polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), emissions from metallurgical industries, and disposal of e-waste.

The draft risk profile elaborates on the evidence suggesting that PBDD/Fs and PBCDD/Fs meet the criteria for POPs under the Stockholm Convention. The consultation also seeks additional information on risk management measures, alternatives, and any potential social or economic impacts of restricting these substances. The substances are linked to elevated levels found in children's toys and consumer products. It has been suggested that PXDD/Fs have the potential to damage human health and their high level of persistence in humans could lead to bioaccumulation.